Surrey – The 2021 edition of the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair has been cancelled by the event’s organizers in order to help get more people vaccinated faster.
Fraser Health is providing COVID-19 ‘mass vaccinations’ at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre, located at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds now through the end of the year. The Cloverdale Rodeo is supporting this initiative by committing a significant portion of the Fairgrounds for free public parking.
“We support everyone that is getting vaccinated,” states Shannon Claypool, President of the Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition Association. The decision to forfeit space for vaccinations will result in a loss of income for the Association. Claypool explains the Association’s choice this way: “Until this health emergency has been corralled up, everyone needs to do everything they can for the sake of our community.”
The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair will resume occurring each Victoria Day weekend, with the next being May 20-23, 2022. The Rodeo’s 75th Anniversary celebration is being postponed to next year.
“We take off our hat to the Rodeo’s fans, sponsors and the entire community,” adds Claypool. “We’re sad not to be providing thrills, fun, and memories this year. However, everyone’s understanding will be rewarded next year with an exciting, rip-roaring shindig well worth the wait.”
Despite the fact that there will not be a Rodeo, the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation has vowed to continue awarding scholarships to young, local leaders this year. More information on how high school students can apply will be available later this spring.
The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is just one of nearly 1,000 events held each year at the Fairgrounds. Other activities range from fun runs to trade shows. The Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association manages the Fairgrounds, stewarding the 90 acre, eight facility property for the community.
To thank its members for their on-going support, the Association is extending memberships an additional year at no charge.
To discover more about the Association, Fairgrounds, and the renowned Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, visit the website at www.CloverdaleRodeo.com.
